Methods and apparatuses for interfacing microwave circuits

Abstract

An apparatus for interfacing with an RF / microwave subsystem is provided. The apparatus includes a printed circuit board that includes: a controller, and a connector constructed to provide control signals and power signals to a subsystem in accordance with instructions from the controller, and a mechanical interface constructed to provide a mechanical connection between the subsystem and the printed circuit board.

Description

BACKGROUNDField of the Invention[0001]The present application relates generally to interfacing microwave circuits.Description of Related Art[0002]Radio-frequency (RF) and microwave subsystems (e.g., military / commercial radars, jammers, communications transceivers, wireless internet routers, cellular communications) require a variety of inputs to function, including: control, communications, sensing and power. In conventional RF / Microwave subsystems, a custom single-use interface is used to connect to the subsystem. The custom interface includes a package of interfacing electronics that are specially designed and intended for the subsystem. The custom interface is usually designed and constructed by a highly-skilled engineer or technician and packaged into a suitable physical enclosure. The downside of this approach is obvious: the design is not repeatable across different subsystems. If a single additional component is added to the subsystem, an entirely new interface design may hav...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution allows for efficient reconfiguration and integration of RF / Microwave subsystems into larger systems, providing power and enhanced connectivity, reducing the need for custom designs and improving real-time control capabilities.

Problems solved by technology

The downside of this approach is obvious: the design is not repeatable across different subsystems.

If a single additional component is added to the subsystem, an entirely new interface design may have to be conceived of, constructed, tested, and implemented to return to an operating state, which is a waste of time and resources.

However, this design leaves much to be desired.

As a result, there are a limited number of inputs / outputs or hardware specific functions (e.g., UART, SPI / Chip selects, analog monitoring, analog outputs, pulse generation, etc. . . . ) which can be routed to microwave components.

The combination of a slow system and limited hardware capabilities makes real-time control through the Raspberry Pi difficult, if not impossible.

Moreover, custom PCBs do not provide for a multitude of connections, do not supply power to the subsystems, and lack monitoring capabilities for things like voltage irregularities.

If one wishes to change a component on the subsystem it may be necessary to desolder the connection to the component that is being replaced, replace said component, and then solder a new connection, which is inefficient.

Also, power is not provided to the subsystem with this approach.

Images